The Maple Leafs, under new GM John Chayka, wasted no time in changing up the look of the roster from last season’s nightmarish turn of events.
Toronto signed goalie Sergei Bobrovsky away from rival Florida (three years, $21 million) to join his old teammate, Anthony Stolarz, in tandem. Goaltending was rough last season for the Leafs, thanks to injuries and overall woeful play, but Bobrovsky’s winning pedigree is hard to resist, even at age 37.
While landing Bobrovsky is the move that (rightfully) gets the most attention, the work Toronto did in remaking their forward group was astounding. Selecting Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 pick was the easiest move of the offseason. They also traded for Nick Paul out of Tampa Bay and signed Jack Roslovic, Colton Sissons, Teddy Blueger, and Brandon Duhaime.
McKenna will be a factor alongside Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, and Matthew Knies, but the rest of their forward signings completely remake their bottom six, highlighting speed, grit, and physical play. With new coach Jim Hiller in charge, what they’re aiming to do seems clear, but how well it works in the stacked Atlantic Division will be fascinating to watch.
Trading Brandon Carlo to St. Louis and adding Darren Raddysh to the blue line appear to be positive changes, although rumors about trading Morgan Rielly persist. You can sort of see what the Leafs are trying to do with the roster, but we’re left wondering if the right switches are being pulled.